Philanthropy is not just about giving money- CIBC FirstCaribbean boss

Philanthropy is not just about giving money and the real satisfaction comes in giving of one’s time, talent and skill.

This guiding principle delivered by CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank Managing Director, Nigel Holness, was central to the mood of the team of bank employees that journeyed to Trinityville, St. Thomas recently making good on a promise to help build houses for the needy.

Last May the bank partnered with Food For The Poor (FFTP), paying for the construction of a home for a single mother of six. In July the bank donated another $4.6 million to FFTP to fund the construction of 10 houses for persons in need of shelter under their “Make a Difference 5K Initiative”.

Holness said then, that he and some of his employees would work beside the professional masons, brick layers and journeymen on the construction site.

And so, the CIBC FirstCaribbean team including specialists in corporate and retail banking, human resources, finance, operations, technology, securities company, marketing and administration lifted lumber up hill, held joists and beams steady for the "pros", hammered nails and wielded paint rollers.

The result had an ecstatic Dassett Williams the new home owner, beaming from ear to ear. Her dream was complete- she could finally put her Home Sweet Home mat in place.